Tag: united states

The Sunset and Sunrise in Waikiki

Sunset over Waikiki Beach on Oahu

As if I needed another reason to be homesick again, I’ve compiled a list of sunset and sunrise photos from my last trip home to Oahu, Hawaii. The sunset photos were taken along Waikiki Beach throughout our short stay in the area. The sunrise photos were captured early in the morning (anything before 9am is “early” to me) along the Ala Wai Canal on the other end of Waikiki. Continue reading “The Sunset and Sunrise in Waikiki”

Doris Duke's Shangri La on Oahu

Visiting Doris Duke’s Shangri La and Cromwell’s Beach in Hawaii

I’ve been to my fair share of mansions in my life, but few compare to Doris Duke’s impressive Shangri La, located along the Kahala coast of Oahu. The heiress fell in love with Hawaii and became the first female competitive surfer in the world. She even learned the sport under the tutelage of the legendary Duke Kahanamoku, the father of modern surfing.

Continue reading “Visiting Doris Duke’s Shangri La and Cromwell’s Beach in Hawaii”

5 Things to Know Before Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial

USS Arizona Memorial

The USS Arizona Memorial, part of the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument that recognizes the stories of the Pacific War, is one of the top attractions in Hawaii and arguably the most popular tourist spot on Oahu. Its significance cannot be understated, as it serves as a memorial for the “date which will live in infamy” that pushed the United States into World War II. And because it’s such a popular destination for visitors, there are more than a few things you should keep in mind before arriving to ensure your visit is as pleasant as possible.

Here are five things you should know before visiting the USS Arizona Memorial: Continue reading “5 Things to Know Before Visiting the USS Arizona Memorial”

A Recap of Trendy Lime’s JETLAG 26 at the Clift Hotel in SF

Photo of Trendy Lime's JETLAG 26 at Clift Hotel by Damien Miller of Sapient Studios

Fashion. Travel. Fancy underpants. These were just some of the themes present at Trendy Lime’s JETLAG 26, held last Wednesday at the Clift Hotel in San Francisco. The hotel’s lounge, The Redwood Room, was sealed off for this chic charity event, benefitting the Academy of Friends, an organization that raises funds for care services and educational programs for those at risk of HIV/AIDS. Continue reading “A Recap of Trendy Lime’s JETLAG 26 at the Clift Hotel in SF”

Boy and Chinese lion heads before Chinese New Year parade in San Francisco

Walking with AT&T in the SF Chinese New Year Parade 2013

I often hear newcomers express their surprise that the Chinese New Year Parade in San Francisco should be so popular. I almost want to shake them, screaming, “Well, it’s the largest Asian heritage celebration in North America and one of the largest outside of Asia!”

Legal reasons prohibit me from doing thusly. Continue reading “Walking with AT&T in the SF Chinese New Year Parade 2013”

Honolulu City Lights - Christmas 2012 - Iolani Palace

The Honolulu City Lights – Christmas in Hawaii

Following last year’s “Christmas in Paradise – The Honolulu City Lights” photo post, I’d like to share what went down at Honolulu Hale this holiday season. There were a few notable changes, including the seahorses standing guard outside the exhibition building, an octopus added to the main fountain area (a new addition to Hawaiian Santa’s posse) and an especially impressive display of wreaths in the annual contest (scroll down for the first place winner – a beautiful peacock made from old CDs). Continue reading “The Honolulu City Lights – Christmas in Hawaii”

Entrance Courtyard of the Honolulu Museum of Art

The Beautiful Honolulu Museum of Art in Photos

Few museums are as peaceful as the Honolulu Museum of Art. On days of reflection like today (read: too many parties last night), I like to mentally revisit the time spent there, wandering through the courtyards and diving deep into its collection of fine art. It may not compete with the Met or even the Legion of Honor, but it’s beautiful and impressive in its own right. It’s ironic that a place so quiet can instill so much energy inside. Continue reading “The Beautiful Honolulu Museum of Art in Photos”

Photo of The Absinthe Drinkers

Exploring Classical Art at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor

The California Palace of the Legion of Honor consistently ranks as my favorite museum in San Francisco. Up in the hills at the far west end of the city, it offers dramatic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Bay. The architecture of the museum, with its striking courtyard and Rodin’s The Thinker, inspires photographs almost as much as the artwork inside.

Currently on exhibition is Pissarro’s People, an examination of the individuals that inspired French impressionist Camille Pissarro. I particularly liked his depictions of the marketplace. To describe his paintings as “bustling” feels odd, though accurate.

Finally, San Francisco is offered a chance to gaze upon Bernini’s Medusa, on loan from the Musei Capitolini in Rome. What makes this piece particularly unique is how he depicted her as sad and in pain, rather than utilizing the usual monstrous images others would.

For the complete collection, visit my The Legion of Honor – Bernini’s Medusa, Classical Art and Sunset Views photoset on Flickr or view them in the slideshow below.

Continue reading “Exploring Classical Art at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor”